Non-Opioid Pain Patch Market Report 2025

The non-opioid pain patch market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.48 billion in 2024 to $3.66 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increased chronic pain cases, patient preference for non-invasive treatment, improved formulations and ingredients, rise in sports injuries, and concerns over opioid addiction.

The non-opioid pain patch market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.5 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing R&D investment, rising healthcare expenditure, a supportive regulatory environment, consumer awareness and education, and an expanding geriatric population. Major trends in the forecast period include wireless and smart patch technologies, integration of natural ingredients, integration with wearable technology, biodegradable and eco-friendly patches, and focus on long-lasting effects.

The increasing prevalence of chronic pain is anticipated to drive the growth of the non-opioid pain patch market in the coming years. Chronic pain is characterized by severe discomfort that persists for an extended period or occurs alongside another medical condition. Non-opioid pain patches are effective for alleviating mild to moderate pain, including headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, backaches, and various other pain types. For example, in November 2023, Eurostat, a government agency based in Luxembourg, reported that in 2022, over one-third (36.1%) of individuals in the EU indicated they had a long-term (chronic) health condition. Thus, the rising prevalence of chronic pain is boosting the non-opioid pain patch market.

Increasing research and development activities are projected to further propel the growth of the non-opioid pain patch market. Research and development (R&D) encompass the investigative efforts by a company or organization aimed at enhancing existing products and procedures or creating new ones. The advancement of non-opioid pain management solutions, particularly through patches, has emerged as a dynamic field for R&D, largely due to heightened concerns regarding opioid dependence and associated side effects. For instance, in January 2024, the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), a US-based statistical agency under the National Science Foundation, noted that research and experimental development (R&D) expenditures in the United States reached $789.1 billion in 2021, with an estimated total of $885.6 billion for 2022. Therefore, the increase in research and development activities is driving the growth of the non-opioid pain patch market.

Product innovation is emerging as a prominent trend gaining traction in the non-opioid pain patch market, with major companies actively developing innovative solutions to enhance their market positions. An illustrative example is The Mentholatum Company Inc., a UK-based healthcare products manufacturer, which introduced the Deep Relief Actiflex Patch in June 2022. This drug-free pain patch features a cooling hydrogel containing water, offering fast cooling and soothing relief as the water evaporates on the skin. Specifically designed to treat aches and pains in muscles or joints, this innovative patch adds diversity to the non-opioid pain patch market.

Key players in the non-opioid pain patch market are focusing on the development of innovative products, including genetically validated target medicines. This approach involves creating drugs that specifically target biological pathways associated with diseases, guided by robust genetic evidence. Such a strategy enhances the effectiveness of treatments while minimizing the risk of side effects. For instance, in February 2024, Latigo Biotherapeutics Inc., a US-based biotechnology firm, introduced LTG-001, a selective inhibitor of the Nav1.8 sodium channel predominantly found in peripheral nerve cells. By targeting this specific channel, LTG-001 aims to interrupt pain signals at their origin, potentially offering effective pain relief without impacting the central nervous system. The results from Phase 1 clinical trials indicated that LTG-001 has a Tmax (time to maximum concentration) of approximately 1.5 hours, which implies a rapid onset of pain relief. This characteristic is particularly significant for managing both acute and chronic pain. Furthermore, LTG-001 is formulated for oral administration, providing a more convenient option for patients compared to injectable or topical treatments, thus enhancing compliance and ease of use.

In January 2024, Heron Therapeutics, a US-based biotechnology company specializing in non-opioid pain medications, formed a partnership with CrossLink Life Sciences. The goal of this collaboration is to broaden the sales network for ZYNRELEF, a pain-relief solution designed for orthopedic surgeries, throughout the United States. This partnership aims to increase product adoption, streamline access, and enhance post-operative pain management for a greater number of patients. CrossLink Life Sciences is a US-based private distributor specializing in orthopedic, spine, and sports medicine devices.

Major companies operating in the non-opioid pain patch market include Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc., Teikoku Pharma USA, Inc., Purdue Pharma L.P., Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Pfizer Inc., Grünenthal GmbH, Mylan N.V., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc., Medtronic plc, Abbott Laboratories, Bayer AG, Iroko Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Scilex Pharmaceuticals Inc., Zosano Pharma Corporation, Adynxx Inc., BioElectronics Corporation, NeuroMetrix Inc., Virpax Pharmaceuticals Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Novartis AG, Amgen Inc., DURECT Corporation.

North America was the largest region in the non-opioid pain patch market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the non-opioid pain patch market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the non-opioid pain patch market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the non-opioid pain patch market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

A non-opioid pain patch is a topical treatment designed to manage pain without the use of opioids. This non-systemic option is unique in providing prescription-strength relief. The patch delivers non-addictive medication directly to the affected area through the skin, allowing for effective pain management while reducing the risk of addiction and side effects associated with opioids. It is typically used to alleviate mild to moderate pain.

The primary types of non-opioid pain patches include lidocaine patches, diclofenac patches, capsaicin patches, ketoprofen patches, and others. Lidocaine patches, for instance, are transdermal patches with analgesic properties. These patches are composed of a synthetic amide-type anesthetic, lidocaine, formulated in a 5 percent aqueous base solution. They serve the purpose of aiding in the treatment of itching and pain associated with certain skin disorders. Lidocaine patches are distributed through various channels, including hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and other outlets. These patches find applications in treating various conditions, including musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain.

The non-opioid pain patch research report is one of a series of new reports that provides non-opioid pain patch market statistics, including the non-opioid pain patch industry's global market size, regional shares, competitors with non-opioid pain patch market share, detailed non-opioid pain patch market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the non-opioid pain patch industry. This non-opioid pain patch market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry. 

The non-opioid pain patch market consists of sales of aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen patches. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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